Take baby on a sound adventure

Explore sound with your baby before bedtime. Put on your favorite lullaby (or sing it yourself) and play along gently with a musical instrument.

Spread out a blanket and give baby a massage for a bit, take a break and quietly play a cabasa or other gentle shaker instrument. You can make a simple shaker by using an empty oatmeal box with a few beans or pasta pieces placed inside. Explore other soft sounds - hum and make other soothing noises with your voice.

The exploration should focus baby's attention on you which then allows you to slow the tempo and hum baby to sleep.

The benefits of infant massage have been enjoyed in other cultures for centuries and now Australian and New Zealand parents can learn the techniques to help their babies make the most of the miracle of touch.

Infant massage must be experienced to fully appreciate the benefits for parent and baby. However current research has clearly shown tangible benefits as listed below:

• Improves quality of sleep - by soothing the nervous system.
• Tones digestive system - special techniques relieve wind, constipation and colic.
• Strengthens the immune system through relaxation - stress weakens the immune system. Stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
• Facilitates an infant's handling sensory input with relaxation.
• Raises an infant's stimulation threshold - gradually builds tolerance.
• Touch Relaxation - a conditioned relaxation response, is of immense benefit in situations where the child is anxious.

Fathers can especially benefit from infant massage. It gives them time to connect and interact with their child on a deeper level than day to day contact sometimes provides.

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